Rudy after climbing Stone Mountain
Position: General Manager.
Location: Charlotte.
Specialty: A little of bit of everything. A jack of all trades but master of none. Hiking, climbing, backpacking, traveling, fly fishing, skiing, biking. A little bit of everything depending on the season and who is involved!
When did you start at GOPC? 04/01/1999.
A throwback photo of Rudy and his father
What (or who!) first introduced you to the outdoors lifestyle?
My father! We grew up on a small lake so I could swim before I could walk. He was the scout master of our boy scout troop.
What's been your most memorable trip/outdoors experience?
Probably riding my bicycle across the United States after graduating from college with 3 strangers.
I graduated from college and worked for the local outfitter in Harrisonburg, Va. I ran into an acquaintance and I asked what he was doing after college. He said he was riding his bike across the country. "How 'bout you?" he asked.
I said "I'm not sure."
He said, "You want to go?"
I said "Absolutely!"
2 weeks later we rode our bikes across the entire United States (self-supported!). It was a feeling of complete freedom on the open road. The amount of kindness and hospitality shown toward us was unbelievable. Complete strangers were curious about our adventure and before we knew it were back at their house for steak dinners and 5-star accommodations for multiple days.
Rudy hiking on the Appalachian Trail
What first brought you to GOPC and what do you love about working there?
I had always loved visiting gear stores growing up and GOPC was close to my house in Charlotte. At the time I was working at a bank and thought I would work here part time to meet people in the community. The man who hired me became a mentor of mine. It has always been the people and the amazing relationships that I have formed with both staff and customers that have kept me here.
Rudy fishing with his dog, Kaya
What has been your most special customer moment?
